Wine Advocate (96)

Aromas of limes, yellow citrus, crushed stones, herbs, chamomile and honey lead the 2012 Sancerre Edmond to a refreshingly mineral, profund and pure palate of great expression and a stimulating length with citrus flavors. This was my first note of the 2012 Sancerre Edmond, which is dedicated to Alphonse Mellot’s father Alphonse Edmond. The selection from the oldest (about 100 years old) Sauvignon Blanc grapes of the estate (on calcareous marl soils) is the purest and most precise expression of the kimmeridgian terroir because – and this is my finding of the second day – there is nothing more on the nose than ripe fruit aromas (nectarines again) based on and powdered with rock flour. This exceptional Sancerre was fermented and aged for 11 months in wooden vats and new demi-muid barrels, which initially seemed to add a further layer to this already very complex wine. However, the oak was completely absorbed by the minerality, which shines through even clearer the second day when Edmond became significantly more pure, transparent and naked. Its length, complexity and tension, though, remains unrivaled. This is a really powerful and expressive Sancerre but does neither lack purity nor finesse, thrill nor aging potential. I would definitely buy it to give it 8-10 years although it is already accessible.

Wine Advocate (94)

Made from five different lieux-dits of the coteaux de Chavignol, with vines rooted in clay limestone soils for approximately 50 years, the 2012 Sancerre Satellite of Alphonse Mellot is a lovely fruity, fresh and appetizing mineral Chavignol of great precision, elegance and balance. Dressed in pale straw yellow, the wine is like an Armani perfume quoting citric and herbal aromas of limestoned yellow citrus, grapefruits, clementines, thyme and white nectarines. This is an outstanding Chavignol of great purity and length with vibrant energy and tension and a persistent salty finish. This is an impressively enjoyable, elegant and complex Sancerre indeed.

Vinous (90)

Pale yellow. Musky yellow fruits and gingery spices on the nose. Ripe and silky, with harmonious acidity framing the sweet peach and nutmeg flavors. A rich village wine, particularly in the context of this cellar, but I like its cut and balance. Underlying lemon and crushed stone flavors give the finish a slight youthful aggressiveness that calls for a year or two of patience. The crop level was 22 hectoliters per hectare in these parcels. Incidentally, Ente describes 2012 as a good year but a bit too rich and thick; he compared it to 2007 and 2008 in quality, adding that the '08s also had too much thickness. (But take advantage of Ente's atypically rich and concentrated 2012 Bourgogne Blanc if you spot a bottle, as this wine, made from parcels in Meursault and Puligny, will be easier to drink at the outset. I rated it 88 points.)

Savour the magnificence of Arnaud Ente Meursault La Seve du Clos 2012, a real gem from Burgundy, France. Arnaud Ente, the producer, is lauded as one of the region's most outstanding artisans. Taught by his father-in-law, he adopted a meticulous, intensive approach to viticulture, and a minimalist stance towards vinification.

This wine springs from a single parcel in Meursault, harvested by hand, and fermented using indigenous yeasts. Aged in French oak barrels, only a minimal amount of new oak is used to respect the purity of the fruit and reflect the unique terroir.

The 2012 vintage delivers an intoxicating bouquet of hazelnut and brioche, with an energetic palate of ripe citrus and mineral undertones, sumptuously textured. It is a white burgundy that showcases Arnaud Ente's commitment to quality and detail. Arnaud Ente Meursault La Seve du Clos 2012 offers an unparalleled tasting experience, one to be enjoyed in contemplative sips. The splendiferous synthesis of traditional viticulture and modern winemaking.

Emerging from the renowned vineyards of Côte de Beaune in France, the Ballot Millot Meursault-Genevrieres 1er Cru 2012 is a remarkable testament to the vintner's craft. This exquisite white wine has been delicately crafted by esteemed winemaker, Domaine Ballot Millot, who are celebrated for their meticulous approach to viticulture and strict Old World production methods.

The wine is borne of 100% Chardonnay grapes from 40-year-old vines, meticulously farmed on limestone soils. The result is an elegant expression of Meursault, embodying a seamless blend of power and finesse. It boasts a vibrant, golden colour and hints of fragrant yellow fruits and hazelnuts on the nose. Well-rounded citrus and vanilla nuances glide sumptuously across the palate, culminating in a lengthy, mineral-rich finish. The Ballot Millot Meursault-Genevrieres 1er Cru 2012 rewards both immediate enjoyment and careful cellaring, offering exceptional ageing potential.

Vinous (94)

The 2012 Chablis Les Clos is totally intriguing. Initially a bit reticent, the Clos only blossoms on the mid-palate and finish, where the wine's texture and breadth are most apparent. Silky, perfumed and polished throughout, the 2012 impresses for its fabulous balance and faithful expression of this great site.

Wine Advocate (95)

Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2012 tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chevalier Montrachet la Cabotte Grand Cru from Bouchard Père & Fils has a slightly more exotic bouquet within this flight with touches of white chocolate and almond originating from the more generous and conspicuous use of new oak. It needs time to fully integrated. The palate is concentrated and lightly honeyed, the acidity nicely judged but there is a nagging feeling that it was picked a little too late, reminiscent of some of those 2006s on the finish that is missing some delineation. Returning to the glass it actually becomes more refined and elegant, with a saline tang on the finish. This must represent one of Bouchard's finest contributions to the vintage.

Wine Advocate (99)

The 2012 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree is still firing on all cylinders, sporting heavenly notes of powdered rock, white flowers, honeyed orange blossom, white currants and a saltiness that keeps you coming back to the glass. Full-bodied, voluptuous and decadent, drink it anytime over the coming 2-3 decades.

Wine Advocate (99)

The 2012 Ermitage Cuvee de l'Oree is still firing on all cylinders, sporting heavenly notes of powdered rock, white flowers, honeyed orange blossom, white currants and a saltiness that keeps you coming back to the glass. Full-bodied, voluptuous and decadent, drink it anytime over the coming 2-3 decades.

Wine Advocate (100)

White wine simply doesn't get any better than the 2012 Ermitage l'Ermite Blanc. A massive, concentrated, yet insanely pure and focused effort, it has an incredible bouquet (almond paste, orange rind, caramelized peach), full-bodied richness, no hard edges and finish that just won't quit. Of all the 2012 whites, this has the most minerality, purity and precision. I'd happily drink it anytime over the coming 3-4 decades.

Vinous (92+)

Light yellow. Subtle aromas of fresh yellow apple and pineapple are laced with wild herbs. Juicy and fine-grained, with piquant acidity framing the lemon and mineral flavors. In spite of its enormous depth, this chenin blanc literally dances across the palate. Pure, crisp and very long on the finish, I prefer this to the richer 2011. Only bottled earlier this year, this Saumur will be released sometime in late 2015. If it develops like the 2010, it has the potential to be one of the great white wines of the vintage.

Wine Advocate (97+)

Raphel Coche told me that the 2012 Corton Charlemagne was the only vineyard that escaped hail damage this year. It has a very succinct nose, not predisposed to go out and grab you by the lapels. The aromatics unfurl with a sense of ease prioritizing finesse over power: beeswax, linden, lemon thyme and fresh pear. The palate is exquisitely balanced with fleeting glimpses of Seville orange and apricot. But there is more about the tension, the effortlessness and that it just rolls out across the finish like a huge Turkish rug. This is the kind of wine that exhausts superlatives.

Wine Advocate (97+)

Raphel Coche told me that the 2012 Corton Charlemagne was the only vineyard that escaped hail damage this year. It has a very succinct nose, not predisposed to go out and grab you by the lapels. The aromatics unfurl with a sense of ease prioritizing finesse over power: beeswax, linden, lemon thyme and fresh pear. The palate is exquisitely balanced with fleeting glimpses of Seville orange and apricot. But there is more about the tension, the effortlessness and that it just rolls out across the finish like a huge Turkish rug. This is the kind of wine that exhausts superlatives.

Tim Atkin MW (96)

Drawn from three parcels within Les Perrières, this is another very impressive bottling from the Coches, père et fils. It's quite a forward wine, even in barrel, but it certainly doesn't lack the acidity or concentration to age. Sweetly oaked, floral and creamy, it has flavours of lemon zest and orange peel with an overtone of honey.

Vinous (93+)

Pale yellow. Orange, lime oil and spices on the nose. Densely packed and utterly seamless, with an impression of baby fat leavened by strong underlying energy. Complex flavors of orange, minerals, crushed stone and spices. Today the Poruzots shows more power but this will be the superior wine in five years.

Wine Spectator (92)

Quite lively, with a floral edge to the white peach, pineapple and heather notes. Good freshness and definition. Score range: 89-92 -JM

Wine Advocate (87-89)

This straw-colored 2012 exhibits notes of figs, citrus oil, grapefruit and wet grass. Drink this intriguing, Sauvignon-dominated, dry white over the next 7-10 years.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2012 Criots-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru comes from the family’s one-third hectare holding planted between the 1930s and 1990s. It was picked the same day as the premier crus and Celine told me that it always has a slightly higher degree of alcohol. It has an entrancing bouquet with perfumed apricot, peach and dried citrus peel notes infused with minerals – feminine and seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded, powerful, spicy opening. It is very well balanced, very concentrated on the finish. This is compelling like so many from this under-rated grand cru vineyard, though there are just four barrels instead of the usual eight in this year.

Immerse yourself in the sophisticated world of Burgundian whites with the Frantz Chagnoleau Saint Veran La Roche 2012. This gem from Maçon is meticulously handcrafted by viticulturist duo Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon, whose passionate devotion to the delicacy of the Chardonnay grape truly shines through. With an unwavering commitment to biodynamic principles, the duo meticulously cultivates vines averaging 50 years of age, producing an organic wine of unparalleled quality.

The Frantz Chagnoleau Saint Veran La Roche 2012 boasts vibrant, complex notes of citrus and pear, underpinned by a distinct minerality gleaned from the rocky vineyard soils. This expressive wine, with 12 months of lees aging, delivers a mouth-filling palate with impeccable balance and a lengthy finish, truly celebrating its Burgundy origin. The producer's gentle, non-interventionist winemaking techniques ensure the purest expression of terroir in every bottle. An extraordinary wine for discerning palates.

Expertly crafted by renowned winemaker Frantz Chagnoleau, the Saint Veran Pre Jaux 2012 stands as a testament to the exceptional terroir in the Maconnais region of Southern Burgundy, France. Utilising organic and biodynamic practices, Chagnoleau has mastered the art of expressing the unique characteristics of this hallowed French locale. Each vintage of this wine is hand-harvested and naturally fermented, maintaining an authentic expression of the Chardonnay grape.

Franz Chagnoleau Saint Veran Pre Jaux 2012 marries the full, ripe fruit of Southern Burgundy with the precision and acidity typical of its northern counterparts. Offering an elegant nose of white flowers and juicy pear with subtle, minerally undertones, this white Burgundy is lauded for its purity of fruit and well-integrated oak. Harmonious, dynamic, and distinct, the Frantz Chagnoleau Saint Veran Pre Jaux 2012 is no casual encounter but rather your refined step into the world of fine French wines.

Wine Advocate (96+)

Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting. The 2012 Haut-Brion Blanc has an entrancing bouquet of honeysuckle, fresh pear and greengage that is beautifully defined and seamlessly enmeshed with the oak. The palate is well balanced with just a patina of new oak, smooth and harmonious, fine mineralité here with a spicy finish that leaves the tongue tingling. This is very well crafted and it will just get better and better. Yes, my drinking window does advise ten years in bottle, since in my experience only this and the late Laville Haut-Brion age so magnificently. Therefore, that score may well rise in the future if I am ever afforded a chance to re-taste this superb white Bordeaux. Tasted January 2016.

Vinous (94-97)

Slightly hazy due to a recent stirring of the lees. Highly complex nose combines candied lemon, pineapple, menthol, linden tea, ginger and caramel. Thick and seamless in texture and showing a slightly exotic candied quality, but racy acidity gives sharp relief to the intense orange and lemon zest fruit. Really echoes on the gripping finish, showing a whiplash of citrus and saline flavors. These were the latest-picked vines in 2012, along with the Batard and Corton-Charlemagne, but this stunning wine remains just on the right side of surmaturite.

Vinous (91)

Pale yellow-gold. Very perfumed aromas of rose water, grapefruit, cured meat and nutmeg show lovely lift. Clean, precise and not especially opulent, offering spicy flavors of yellow fruit, freshly baked bread and noteworthy inner-mouth perfume. Closes lively and long, with lingering aromatic interest. Does not taste as sweet as the numbers indicate (18 g/L of r.s and only 2.8 g/L total acidity).

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2012 Clarté de Haut-Brion is slightly more youthful than the Chapelle de la Mission with black brambly fruit, sandalwood and light rolled tobacco aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple entry. There is fine weight for a Deuxième Vin and a satisfying freshness with a judicious pepperiness adorning the tensile finish. Excellent. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2012 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is a real stunner. All the elements fall into place in an utterly spellbinding white wine endowed with class and pedigree to burn. A host of orchard fruit, lemon oil, mint and sweet floral notes flesh out, but it is the wine's overall feel and phenomenal, precise finish that elevate it into to the stratosphere. The 2012 can be enjoyed now, but it will also age for decades.

Wine Advocate (91)

Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting. The 2012 Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc felt as if it was burdened with too much new oak on the nose, though underneath lie some attractive citrus fruit mixed with peach and apricot skin. I will be optimistic and opine that the oak will be subsumed as long as it is afforded two or three years of cellaring. The palate is well balanced, the new oak lending creaminess and a slight nuttiness - indeed, blind you might almost mistake it for a Meursault. Partly it is because of the new oak, but I can still see how this has wide appeal and you end up being seduced. Tasted January 2016.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

A class act in every way, this benefits from the lower alchols of the vintage, as it did in 2007. It's a powerful wine, but it's harmonious at the same time. Smoky and richly textured, with attractive cinnamon oak, sappy acidity and a nuanced minerally finish.